The formal definition of colonialism is “the control or
governing influence of a nation over a dependent country,
territory, or people,” and we know
from class discussions that colonization is mental as well as physical. What
effect does colonization have on intimate relationships? How does this form of
power and control translate to marriage? (Clara, Esteban; the Count, Blanca,
Pedro Tercero; Miguel, Alba)
Colonization has a tremendous effect on intimate relationships. In The Tempest, there was a clear class system that developed from the colonization of the island, and this seemingly inevitable result can influence intimate relationships. This result can be seen most clearly if the people involved are in different social classes. Since most colonizers believe that they are superior to the natives, it is easy to understand that a parallel situation would arise within a relationship.
ReplyDeleteJust taking Clara and Esteban under examination, the reader can see this type of control between the two characters. I believe that Esteban has physical control over Clara, but Clara actually has mental and emotional control over Esteban. It is obvious that Esteban loves Clara more than Clara loves Esteban, and while Esteban admits this truth, he strives for Clara’s emotional support and adoration. Clara, on the other hand, doesn’t ever seem to be concerned with what Esteban thinks of her. In this respect, Clara has control over Esteban and this aspect of their relationship. Physically, Esteban has almost complete control over Clara, and he has declared this dominance by abusing Clara.
I agree with Lauren that people from different classes that have relationships will be effected by who is in power at the time. I think that Esteban and Clara are examples because Esteban tries to use his power as a man to gain control over Clara. In the case of Blanca and Pedro Tercero Garcia, Blanca was the daughter of the ruler of the land in which Pedro worked, therefore she was a higher class than him, making a sexual relationship more appealing, because of the risks and dangers behind it.
ReplyDeleteI think colonization really affects the relationships of characters because of the way it has affected the culture they are living in. Like John said, Esteban is used to being in power, and he always wants to exert it over Clara. It's very frustrating to him that he's unable to because in their society, absolutely the power should lie with him. He is a man of the upper class and of European descent, not Indian, and he controls a large hacienda with a lot of servants. Blanca and Alba's relationships both show their attempt to escape from the colonialist reputation of their family. They both love men who are completely against everything their family stands for. They love these men in part due to a desire to escape from Esteban's attempts to control them.
ReplyDeleteColonization in the form of love creates an obsessive relationship. One person becomes dependent on the other person, and that person continues to try to get the other person to love them as much as they do. We see this in Esteban and Clara’s relationship where Esteban just cannot get Clara to love him as much as he loves her. This is also seen with Alba and Miguel. Miguel and Alba are in love but Alba is dependent on Miguel’s love. Miguel is not dependent on Alba's love which is seen when he chooses to pursue his beliefs over his love for her. However, Alba remains loyal to him no matter what. This turns out to get her into a lot of trouble towards the end of the book.
ReplyDeleteColonization has a huge effect on intimate relationships such as Clara and Esteban’s relationship. Esteban is a colonizer since he forced a governing influence over the people at Tres Marias and they are dependent on him. This characteristic of Esteban allows for Esteban to feel very powerful and superior to others. Esteban doesn’t understand why Clara doesn’t love him as he loves her, and his dominant, powerful character gives in to violence towards his wife such as when he knocks her teeth out. This form of power and control carries over to marriage, and Esteban, the colonizer, can’t help but treat his wife as a colonized person. A colonizer is ultimately unable to separate his family from the colonized people that are dependent upon him.
ReplyDeleteColonization is illustrated through plenty of relationship. Its is often shown as a struggle for power. Estabon is a very powerful man in politics and he uses the power to get what he wants and that is often at the expience of people who are conisidered inferior to him. Estabon is truley puzzled why Clara does not treat him as a superior figure like the majority of the other people do.
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